The Canadian "No Fly" List

Canada will issue its own no-fly list on June 18. Currently there are no specific provisions in the Canadian Aviation Regulations to support an airline's refusal to transport a passenger - just voluntary measures. Whilst primarily addressing and augmenting the more pressing post-9-11 matter of aviation terrorism, the federal government has also wanted to give airlines more legal clout to bar abusive passengers from their flights. The list will contain the names of people who won't be allowed on commercial aircraft because they're deemed to be a threat to aviation security. The government estimates about 250 disruptive incidents take place on Canadian planes each year. Most are alcohol related. In June 2002, the International Civil Aviation Organization adopted a resolution urging states including Canada to bring in provisions to deal with disruptive passengers. Transport Canada has proposed new legal grounds that would allow an airline to turn away passengers who display unruly or potentially dangerous behavior. The changes would also strengthen an airline's ability to fight lawsuits launched by rejected customers. Previously air carriers had been left with "little or no legal defense" if a customer challenges the denial of carriage in court. In the U.S., a similar no-fly list has drawn attacks from civil liberties organizations. They pointed out that in 2005, 30,000 Americans complained of being wrongly put on the list. Also starting in June, anyone who looks at least 12 years old will have to show Canadian government-issued identification such as a birth certificate, passport, driver's license, health card, or SIN card, before they can board a commercial plane. Related Links